"There needs to be some video from the mayor or the police about what are our rights when we get stopped," one citizen said.

Concerns were voiced about reform efforts in the New Orleans Police Department, the violence in the city and there was even some harsh criticism directed at the police chief.

"I have no faith in your leadership based on what I am seeing taking place by your men," Michael Dummett told Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas.

Landrieu agreed to meet with community members after the NAACP and other groups brought attention to the issues by camping out at City Hall. The groups are concerned about racial profiling and the "stop and frisk" policy the police department uses to collect data on people in certain neighborhoods -- a practice that has recently been the subject of a report from the inspector general's office.

"It's really a community issue," said NAACP President Danatus King. "It needs to be addressed now."

While the community called on the city leaders to come together to discuss the issues, separate meetings were conducted at the same time about two miles apart.

"It just shows how divided we are in the community," said community organizer Robert Goodman. "If we ask you to come to our table, you are not going to come there and tell me what kind of food you want me to serve when I'm telling you to come to my dinner."

Community leaders said they invited the mayor to hear from the people, but he opted to stage a separate event instead.

The Landrieu administration said its meeting was open to everyone. The mayor also met privately with members of the NAACP and community groups to address their concerns.

Just two miles from Landrieu's meeting, dozens gathered in Mid-City to discuss police profiling. The independent police monitor was there as well as representatives from the Department of Justice.

"I would say, we are watching this closely," a DOJ field representative said.

When it comes to the city's troubled police department, the mayor said reforms are already under way, and it's going to take everybody being on the same page to make a difference.

"You have my commitment that we will work together as one team to make the city of New Orleans a safe place for all of us to live," Landrieu said.